# NTSB FTW98LA225: Air Tractor AT-502B, N502JF, Parkin, AR, May 17, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 17, 1998, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Parkin, AR - Coordinates: 35.260993, -90.550025 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2610&lon=-90.5500&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 30, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20611 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA225 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20611/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA225 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees at the departure end of the airstrip. Related factors were: high density altitude and trees at the departure end of the airstrip. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - high density altitude (cause) - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot stated that while taking off from a dirt strip, the airplane failed to clear a tree line about 200 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. According to local law enforcement officers, the airplane collided with an oak tree at the departure end of the airstrip as the pilot was attempting to takeoff to the south with a load of dry fertilizer. The pilot stated that the engine was performing normally. He estimated that he had 100 gallons of fuel on board. The position of the flaps could not be determined. During an investigation, the density altitude was estimated to be about 2,200 feet. ## Factual narrative On May 17, 1998, at 1530 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B agricultural airplane, N502JF, was destroyed upon impact with a tree and terrain during takeoff near Parkin, Arkansas. The non-instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by Hutcherson Flying Service Inc., of Forrest City, Arkansas, under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating from a private airstrip at the time of the accident. According to local law enforcement officers that responded to the accident site, the airplane collided with an oak tree at the departure end of the 2,300 foot airstrip while attempting to takeoff to the south with a load of "Urea" dry fertilizer. In the narrative portion of the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that the airplane broke ground while taking off from the dirt strip; however, the airplane failed to clear a tree line 200 feet beyond the departure end of the turf runway. The pilot stated that the engine was performing normally. The pilot estimated that he had 100 gallons of fuel on board. The position of the flaps could not be determined. The NTSB investigator estimated that the density altitude at the time of the accident was 2,200 feet. The pilot's operating handbook does not provide takeoff performance data for the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N502JF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N502JF-2000-01-12), registration cancelled 2000-01-12, S/N 502B-0253 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-502B - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-502B](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-502b) (registry code 0390307) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 502-0253 - Airframe hours: 2257 - Engines: P&W PT6A-34 750 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Hutcherson Flying Service Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Airport: NONE, runway 18, 2,300 × ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 3,200 total, 500 in this make and model, 75 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 70° at 8 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MEM, 28 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19980517009929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980517009929A), May 17, 1998: Airtrc AT502B, Parkins, AR, Destroyed. Air tractor was taking off down wind with a load for aerial application when it struck a tree and crashed. (.4)the pilot stated that while taking off from a… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.